Faces of Sunriver

Ten years ago, Gerald “Jerry” Kinyon and his wife, Shirley, were on their way back to their home in California from a trip to Washington when they decided to take the scenic route down U.S. Highway 97. The pair stopped for breakfast in La Pine and began chatting with a friendly older couple living in the area who offered to show them around.

“Well, we were looking around until 3:30 in the afternoon,” recalled Kinyon, laughing. “Once we were back in the car, my wife looked at me and said, ‘We’re moving,’ and I said ‘OK.’ Today we’ve still got to pinch each other that we live in such a wonderful place.”

Kinyon, who worked in the construction industry in California for more than 40 years, is an engineer/maintenance man for Sunriver Resort, a job he loves. Known fondly around the resort as “Jerry the Handyman,” Kinyon has a loyal fan base due to his optimistic, friendly nature and genuine appreciation of his workplace and workmates.

“Every department head at Sunriver Resort has something positive to say about Jerry,” said Heather Sandiford, Lodge Food and Beverage Manager at the resort. “Everyone loves him — the staff, the guests — he’s got the greatest heart and the greatest attitude.”

Kinyon said he can’t wait to get to work each day.

“I wake up in the morning and just have to be grateful — if I wake up, it is a good day, as tomorrow is never guaranteed. I like to come to work with a smile on my face and to give compliments to people. You just never know, you might be able to change someone’s attitude.”

Making personal connections is important to him, and Kinyon is always sure to greet anyone he crosses paths with.

“I like to talk to people and find out where they are from, how they like the area, and if there is anything I can take care of for them. It’s all about making people happy. I do a lot of little things, and really, the little things are the big things.”

In his four years working for the resort, Kinyon has been honored as employee of the month and also received the company’s highly coveted culture award. Speaking about it, he gets choked up.

“I’ve gotten a lot of trophies and such in my lifetime, but nothing like that,” he said. “That award is the most important one I’ve ever received. I’m very honored.”

A self-described “people person,” Kinyon credits his parents with raising him to be respectful, and his time as a Marine with strengthening that value.

“I learned at an early age to respect elders and treat others well. I’m really proud to say that all my kids are that way, too, and that is how they are raising their kids.”

The Kinyons have three children and eight grandchildren, all who now live in Oregon. In fact, it is the desire to spend more time with his family that resulted in the difficult decision to retire from his position at the resort next May.

“Family is very important to me. My grandkids are on sports teams, and with my work schedule, I don’t get to see them play and grow. I want to have the time to watch them prosper in life. Family to me is the ultimate.”

For Kinyon, working at the resort has been like being part of a big family.

“Sunriver Resort really has that family atmosphere,” he said. “If someone needs help, we are there for each other. That is what I’m going to miss the most.”